Older People's Manifesto

Plaid Cymru Shadow Health Minister Elin Jones and Assembly candidate for Aberconwy, Trystan Lewis, will today launch the party's manifesto for Older People, pledging to look after the generation that looked after us.

Elin Jones said that Plaid Cymru's pioneering plans to make social care for over 65s in Wales free over a period of ten years formed the main pillar of the manifesto, with other proposals including a fair deal for pensioners and improved health care services.

The social care plans go further than any other party in Wales, and will ensure that people will not be forced to sell their homes in order to pay for care, offering peace of mind and greater security for all generations.

Ahead of a visit to an older people's lunch club at The Trinity Centre in Llandudno, Plaid Cymru Shadow Health Minister Elin Jones said:

"Our plan for older people is about keeping the social contract with people who have worked throughout their lives, paid their taxes, and who now need care.

"Over a period of ten years we will make all social care in Wales free, starting with domiciliary care that takes place at home, then making it free for those over 65 with dementia who are in residential homes and then, finally abolishing all charges for everybody over 65.

"Currently if you pay for care at home through the local council, it costs up to £60 per week, or £3,120 per year. Under Plaid Cymru plans, that would now be free, benefitting around 44,000 in Wales.

“Making residential care free for older people with a dementia diagnosis will mean that instead of paying up to £30,000 per year in care costs, your house and savings would be protected, meaning peace of mind for you and your family.

"This will help the approximately 13,000 people in Wales living with dementia who would be guaranteed free care in the second phase of our plans.

"We will then move towards abolishing care charges for everyone over 65."

Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate for Aberconwy, Trystan Lewis added:

"Plaid Cymru is committed to tackling isolation among older people, clamping down on exploitative scams and promoting an active older life.

"The Party of Wales recognises the importance of older people to Welsh society and to our economy, and these ambitious proposals reflect our commitment to supporting them."